Doing so is crucial in limiting the spread of infection, since one in three people with Covid-19 are asymptomatic and are, therefore, potential spreaders. The value of such a testing programme has already been demonstrated in Liverpool, where it is credited with bringing down rates of infection in the run-up to Christmas.

An efficient test-and-trace regime must go hand-in-hand with vaccination if the country is to return to any semblance of normality in the months ahead.

But a note of warning needs to be sounded. Throughout the pandemic, the Government has over-promised and under-delivered on testing programmes to identify those with Covid.

A student takes a COVID-19 test at a mass testing site which has re-opened at the University of Hull

Targets have repeatedly been missed and tracing has been patchy, partly because of Government reluctance to utilise the expertise of local authorities.

The performance of the testing programme’s chief, Baroness Dido Harding, has been less than impressive. She continues to keep a low profile, raising questions whether her agency is being dynamic enough in turning good intentions into reality.

There must be no falling-short on the delivery of tests for the asymptomatic if chains of transmission are to be broken. The public is making monumental efforts to do the right thing during this new lockdown that is only a week old, and deserves the reassurance that the Government and its agencies are doing likewise.

Government has over-promised and under-delivered on Covid-19 testing, now they must get it right - The Yorkshire Post says